Cookie Policy

Our website uses cookies to improve user experience. If you continue browsing without changing your settings, you consent to our use of cookies. More information can be found in our Privacy & Cookies Policy

DHX MEDIA TO ACQUIRE FAMILY CHANNEL AND THREE OTHER CHILDREN’S CHANNELS FROM BELL MEDIA

Halifax, NS – 28 November 2013 – DHX Media Ltd. (“DHX” or the “Company”) (TSX: DHX) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Family, the most-viewed children’s channel in Canada, as well as Disney XD, Disney Junior (English-language channel) and Disney Junior (French-language channel), together the “Family Channel Business,” from Bell Media for approximately $170 million in cash, subject to certain customary post-closing adjustments. The purchase price is expected to be financed with an expanded underwritten credit facility and with cash on hand. The transaction is expected to close in 2014 pending approval by the Competition Bureau and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (“CRTC”) and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

“The acquisition of these high-quality Canadian channels represents an exciting new addition to DHX, one that complements and enhances all areas of our business and positions us for our next stage of growth” said Michael Donovan, CEO of DHX Media.

Family, the number one channel across all kids audiences was launched in 1988 and has approximately 5.7 million subscribers and an English market share of 29.6% for viewers 2 to 17 (based on Broadcast Bureau of Measurement data for broadcast year 2011/2012). Over the trailing 12 months ended August 2013, these channels generated revenue of approximately $81 million and Direct EBITDA (before corporate allocations) of approximately $27 million (unaudited). Over the past three years, revenue has increased at a compounded rate of approximately seven percent.

“The acquisition of these well positioned properties is expected to be materially accretive,” added Dana Landry, CFO of DHX Media. “It will greatly expand the scale of our business, with revenue increasing by more than 70% and EBITDA by more than 90% for the last 12 months on a pro-forma basis.”

Concurrent with the execution of the definitive agreement, DHX has entered into a commitment agreement with RBC Capital Markets to provide a fully underwritten senior debt financing. The enlarged financing package will consist of a $210 million five-year term loan facility to refinance existing debt and pay a portion of the cash consideration of the Transaction and a $30 million revolving credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Family Channel is the most-viewed children’s channel in Canada offering a dynamic blend of shows celebrating family life, comprised of Canadian productions alongside acquired series, 60% of which come from Disney. It is a premium, commercial-free asset, holding a Category “A” Pay-TV license, giving it “must-carry” designation from the CRTC, which requires cable and satellite companies to include the channel in all services.

Disney Junior (English) delivers a range of engaging and developmental-based programming for kids 2-7, with a compelling mix of series and specials that combine storytelling and entertainment in a commercial-free environment. The channel holds a multiplex license from the CRTC with Family Channel. Launched in 2007, Disney Junior (English) has approximately 4.9 million subscribers, representing a market share of 13.4% among its primary target audience of kids 2-7.

Disney Junior (French) offers commercial-free entertainment that focuses on magical, musical and developmental-based programming for kids 2-6. Disney Junior (French) was launched in 2010 and has approximately half a million subscribers.

Disney XD is a high energy, advertising-supported network that features live-action and animated series and movies of a comedic and adventurous nature. Launched in 2011, it has approximately 4.5 million subscribers, representing a market share of 3.5% among its primary target audience of boys 6-12.

Investor Conference Call & Webcast DHX Media will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the transaction on November 28 at 8:30 am Eastern Standard Time. Details are as follows:

Non-IFRS Measures The term “EBITDA” refers to earnings before deducting interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, foreign exchange gain or loss, and stock-based compensation. The term “Direct EBITDA” refers to EBITDA of the channels before corporate allocations which include amounts in respect of the Family Channel Business’ former owners’ corporate overhead functions. Management believes that EBITDA is a useful measure as it provides an indication of the operational results of the business prior to taking into consideration how those activities are financed and taxed and also prior to taking into consideration asset amortization. Management believes that Direct EBITDA is a useful measure as it approximates EBITDA except for the allocations noted above. EBITDA and Direct EBITDA do not have standardized meanings prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures provided by other companies. Accordingly, investors are cautioned that EBITDA and Direct EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or net income determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s financial performance or as a measure of its liquidity and cash flows.

DisclaimerThis press release contains forward looking statements with respect to DHX and the acquisition of four children’s channels from Bell Media, including statements regarding the accretive nature of the acquisition, the expected time for closing the acquisition, the completion of debt refinancing concurrently with the closing of the acquisition and statements about the expected impact on revenues and EBITDA. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are based on information currently available to the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, among other things, include risks related to risks related to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other conditions to closing the acquisition, DHX’s ability to successfully operate broadcast channels and enter a new line of business, the ability to retain required employees and customer and other material contracts, the accuracy of the assumptions upon which the expected accretion was estimated, market factors, customer contract interpretation, application of accounting policies and principles, and production related risks, and other factors discussed in materials filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time including matters discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s short form prospectus dated November 14, 2013, Annual Information Form, and annual Management Discussion and Analysis. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.